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Can Dogs Eat Scallions?

If you're both a foodie and an animal lover, it's important to remember that "people food" and pets don't always work so well together. Scallions, which are also known as green onions, are a staple in a lot of yummy recipes, but are extremely dangerous to dogs and cats alike.

Onion Family Vegetables

Scallions, like all vegetables in the allium genus (also known as the onion genus), are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Don't even think about feeding your fluffy friend any onions, scallions, shallots, garlic, leeks or chives, no matter how much she begs and pleads. Although these may seem totally harmless to you, large amounts of them can wreak havoc on your dog's red blood cells. Absolutely not worth it. The poisonous element of these vegetables is a chemical known as N-propyl disulfide.

Symptoms

If your precious pooch somehow got her paws on a significant portion of scallions—and consumed them—you may notice obvious signs of toxicity. Be on the lookout for panting, rapid heart rate, bodily weakness, stomach pain, upset stomach, loss of appetite, bloody or orange-colored urine, throwing up, quick exhaustion and low energy. In some cases it may take a while for symptoms to become apparent—as many as five days after consumption, for example. In other cases, the symptoms show up much sooner—sometimes within just 24 hours.

At the first indication of any toxicity, whether seemingly minor or major, get emergency veterinary help for your pup. If your pet's case is especially severe, she may need to receive donor blood via a transfusion procedure.

Excessive Amounts

It won't surprise you that the more scallions a dog eats, the higher her chances of experiencing toxicosis. According to Oregon State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, the chances of onion poisoning are especially high if, in one sitting, a pet eats over 0.5 percent of her total weight in the veggie—yikes.

Cats

Although dogs are certainly negatively affected by scallions, remember to keep kitties far away from them too. The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University notes that felines are even more vulnerable to allium toxicosis than canines, so watch out. Play it safe and keep any and all scallions in your home far out of your pets' curious grasps.